U.S. patent application number 15/840433 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-26 for merchandise display system.
The applicant listed for this patent is KRATOS ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, LLC. Invention is credited to John Gunther, Thomas A. Moeller, Stephen Nicolopulos.
Application Number | 20180110347 15/840433 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39168511 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180110347 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nicolopulos; Stephen ; et
al. |
April 26, 2018 |
MERCHANDISE DISPLAY SYSTEM
Abstract
Provided are systems, methods and techniques for displaying
merchandise. One such system includes a support structure, a
receptacle physically connected to the support structure and having
a plurality of openings around its periphery, and a plurality of
merchandise assemblies. Each merchandise assembly, in turn,
includes an item of merchandise and an attachment device fastened
to the item of merchandise. The attachment device has a vertically
oriented insertion member that is tapered from top to bottom and is
removably inserted into one of the plurality of openings in the
receptacle.
Inventors: |
Nicolopulos; Stephen;
(Belmont, CA) ; Gunther; John; (Belmont, CA)
; Moeller; Thomas A.; (Belmont, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KRATOS ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, LLC |
St. Clair Shores |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
39168511 |
Appl. No.: |
15/840433 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15079517 |
Mar 24, 2016 |
9861214 |
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15840433 |
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11941835 |
Nov 16, 2007 |
9345354 |
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15079517 |
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11701759 |
Feb 2, 2007 |
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11941835 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/04 20130101; A47F
7/0028 20130101; A61H 2003/0255 20130101; A47G 25/12 20130101; A47F
5/02 20130101; A47F 5/05 20130101; A61H 2003/0261 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47F 7/00 20060101
A47F007/00; A47G 25/12 20060101 A47G025/12; A47F 5/04 20060101
A47F005/04; A47F 5/02 20060101 A47F005/02; A47F 5/05 20060101
A47F005/05 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a center slot configured to physically
connect to a support structure; and a plurality of openings around
a periphery of said apparatus, each of said openings (a) comprising
a vertical slot and an elongated cavity and (b) configured to
removably accept an attachment device, wherein (i) said elongated
cavity is tapered from top to bottom, (ii) an insertion member that
is tapered from a top of said attachment device to a bottom of said
attachment device is accepted by one of said plurality of openings
to fit in said elongated cavity and (iii) a segment of said
attachment device is configured to pass through said vertical slot
when said insertion member is inserted into said elongated
cavity.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is
implemented by an injection mold.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus
comprises ten of said openings.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said center slot
comprises a notch configured to fit with a tab of a piece of said
support structure.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said apparatus and
said piece are configured to rotate about said support
structure.
6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said apparatus
comprises a second notch and said second notch is offset from said
notch.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a first of said
apparatuses and a second of said apparatuses are configured to
connect to said support structure.
Description
[0001] This application relates to Ser. No. 15/079,517, filed Mar.
24, 2016, which relates to U.S. Ser. No. 11/941,835, filed Nov. 16,
2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,354, which relates to Ser. No.
11/701,759, filed Feb. 2, 2007, each of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention pertains to systems, methods,
apparatuses and components thereof for facilitating the display of
merchandise, e.g., in a retail store.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Typically, a customer goes to a retail store for a
particular purpose, i.e., to purchase particular items or to find
items that will satisfy particular needs. Once the customer enters
the store, however, in addition to attempting to sell those
specific items, the store has a financial incentive to induce the
customer to purchase other items as well. Therefore, retail stores
are greatly interested in packaging and display systems that will
attract a customer's attention to other products it is selling.
[0004] The individual displays often are provided by the
manufacturer or supplier of such products and, of course, those
entities also have a significant financial incentive to attempt to
increase impulse purchases of the displayed products. While the
interests of the store, on the one hand, and the manufacturer or
supplier, on the other, align in this respect, in other respects
their interests are different. For example, although the
manufacturer or supplier generally would like to obtain as much
floor or wall space as possible for their products, the retail
stores usually try to confine such space as much as possible, so
that they can accommodate a greater variety of different products.
Accordingly, display systems that provide the greatest marketing
effect within the smallest amount of floor or shelf space are
highly desirable.
[0005] A variety of different packaging and display systems exist.
One of the most common uses a stiff, thin, clear plastic container,
often configured as a "clamshell" package. The product is enclosed
within a plastic package which is hinged along one edge, thus
resembling a clamshell. During the packaging operation, the
clamshell package is closed around or through the product, and the
other three edges are sealed shut. One side of the clamshell
package frequently is provided with a hole, so that the entire
clamshell-packaged product can be hung in a kind of horizontal
stack, together with identical items, from a horizontally extending
rod.
[0006] While such packaging/display systems are useful for certain
types of products, especially smaller products, they generally do
not work well for larger products. For example, walking canes
frequently are not packaged so that potential purchasers can hold
them, try them and look at them closely. A common technique for
displaying walking canes in a retail store is to simply place them
into an umbrella holder, typically a canister with an open top.
This arrangement does not afford the customers easy examination or
evaluation of the product, let alone attracting their
attention.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention addresses this problem by providing,
inter alia, systems for displaying merchandise, e.g., in a retail
store, as well as by providing various individual components of
such systems. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, a
display system includes a display apparatus and matching
merchandise assemblies. More preferably, the display apparatus
includes a number of openings, and each merchandise assembly
includes an item of merchandise having an attachment device
fastened to it, with the attachment device including an insertion
member that can be removably inserted into any one of the openings
in the display apparatus. Still more preferably, the insertion
member is vertically oriented when disposed within one of such
openings, is rigid, is tapered and holds the item of merchandise at
a distance away from the display apparatus in a vertical
orientation.
[0008] Thus, in one aspect the invention is directed to a system
for displaying merchandise, which includes a support structure, a
receptacle physically connected to the support structure and having
a plurality of openings around its periphery, and a plurality of
merchandise assemblies. Each merchandise assembly, in turn,
includes an item of merchandise and an attachment device fastened
to the item of merchandise. The attachment device has a vertically
oriented insertion member that is tapered from top to bottom and is
removably inserted into one of the plurality of openings in the
receptacle.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a system for
displaying merchandise, which includes a support structure having a
plurality of openings and a plurality of merchandise assemblies.
Each merchandise assembly, in turn, includes an item of merchandise
and an attachment device fastened to the item of merchandise. The
attachment device has a vertically oriented insertion member that
is tapered from top to bottom and is removably inserted into one of
said plurality of openings, whereby each merchandise assembly is
supported by the support structure. In addition, each said item of
merchandise is elongated and is substantially vertically oriented
when suspended from the receptacle.
[0010] The foregoing summary is intended merely to provide a brief
description of certain aspects of the invention. A more complete
understanding of the invention can be obtained by referring to the
claims and the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display apparatus holding
three merchandise assemblies according to a representative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a display apparatus
holding two merchandise assemblies according to a representative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a display apparatus and a
single merchandise assembly according to a representative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the central portion of a
display apparatus according to a representative embodiment of the
present invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a receptacle and the end
portion of a connecting tube according to a representative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating how an insertion
member is inserted into an opening in a receptacle according to a
representative embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating how an attachment
device is fastened to an elongated item of merchandise according to
a representative embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an attachment
device fully fastened to an elongated item of merchandise according
to a representative embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a lower receptacle with
a connecting tube inserted into its upper receiving slot according
to a representative embodiment of the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an upper receptacle
with a connecting tube inserted into its lower receiving slot
according to a representative embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The following description generally refers to particular
preferred embodiments of the present invention. In addition, in
some cases certain variations are described. However, it should be
understood that the following embodiments are exemplary only and
should not be taken as limiting.
Display Apparatuses
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a display apparatus 10 is shown
according to a representative of embodiment of the present
invention includes a base portion 12, a central supporting pole 20,
an upper collar 25, a lower collar 26, an upper receptacle 40, a
lower receptacle 44, and a connecting piece 70. In addition, a top
cap 80 may be provided at the top of the central supporting pole 20
for supporting a sign 86.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, base portion 12 includes a plastic
bottom portion 13 that is shaped as a solid, truncated cone. Bottom
portion 13 preferably is approximately 16 inches in diameter and,
in the present embodiment, is approximately 4 inches high. One
example is the commercially available MY-D.RTM. 16 Base. However,
other bases that provide adequate stability instead can be used,
including bases that have radially extending legs rather than a
solid structure.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 3, a pole 18 extends vertically from the
flat top surface 14 of the bottom portion 13. In the present
embodiment, pole 18 is configured as metal tubing having a uniform
diameter (e.g., approximately 1 inch) along most of its length but
narrowing somewhat (e.g., by approximately 1/8 inch) at its top
segment 19 (e.g., the top 2 inches of its length). The entire
length of pole 18 from the top surface 14 of bottom portion 13
preferably varies depending upon the particular embodiment, but may
be, e.g., from 18-26 inches, with a typical length being 22
inches.
[0025] Central supporting pole 20, which serves as the main support
for the functional structure of display apparatus 10, has the same
diameter as the main portion of pole 18 and fits snugly over the
top segment 19 of pole 18. Collars 25 and 26 define the limits of
such functional structure. In the present embodiment of the
invention, collars 25 and 26 are identical to each other, and each
is secured to supporting pole 20 using a set screw 28. In alternate
embodiments, collars 25 and 26 are attached to supporting pole 20
using glue, screws, pins, or any combination of the foregoing.
[0026] In order to construct display apparatus 10, central
supporting pole 20 first is installed onto base pole 18, e.g., by
simply sliding it on. Next, bottom collar 26 slides onto central
supporting pole 20 from the top end 21 of supporting pole 20 and
then is secured to central supporting pole 20 at the desired
location.
[0027] Lower receptacle 44 then slides onto central supporting pole
20 (again, from its top and 21) until lower receptacle 44 abuts
bottom collar 26. It is noted that the central hole 50 in lower
receptacle 44 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of central
supporting pole 20 so that lower receptacle 44 slides and rotates
easily on pole 20.
[0028] Thereafter, referring to FIG. 4, connecting piece 70 (which
preferably is primarily a hollow cylinder or tube having a
significantly greater diameter than central supporting pole 20) is
maneuvered over central supporting pole 20 until it engages lower
receptacle 44. In the present embodiment, referring to FIG. 5,
connecting piece 70 includes a narrow but elongated tab 72
extending inwardly from its inner surface along its entire length,
and lower receptacle 44 includes a slot 46 in its top surface with
a corresponding alignment notch 47 at the inner border of slot 46.
More preferably, slot 46 is shaped (e.g., circular in the present
case) and dimensioned (e.g., having a diameter of approximately 2
inches in the present case) so as to just accommodate the bottom
end of connecting piece 70 and alignment notch 47 is shaped and
dimensioned so as to just accommodate tab 72.
[0029] Accordingly, when constructing display apparatus 10, after
connecting piece 70 initially contacts lower receptacle 44, the two
components are rotated relative to each other until tab 72 engages
(slides into) alignment notch 47. The use of tab 72 and alignment
notch 47 allows a fairly precise rotational alignment between lower
receptacle 44 and connecting piece 70. However, any of a variety of
other techniques may be used to facilitate such rotational
alignment, such as: notching connecting piece 70 and providing a
tab on slot 46 of lower receptacle 44, shaping the two ends so that
they only fit together at a single rotational alignment, or simply
marking the two components so that the assembler knows how to align
them. Nevertheless, while simple marking is possible, the provision
of an alignment mechanism generally will tend to better facilitate
assembly. Providing alignment notch 47 on connecting piece 70 and
elongated tab 72 on slot 46 is particularly preferred, partly
because the components can be easily implemented, e.g., by
injection molding lower receptacle 44 to include alignment notch 47
and extruding connecting piece 70 so as to include elongated tab
72.
[0030] Next in the assembly process, upper receptacle 40 slides
onto central supporting pole 20 (again, from its top and 21) until
upper receptacle 40 contacts connecting piece 70. Like the top
surface of lower receptacle 44, the bottom surface of upper
receptacle 40 preferably includes a slot 42 with a corresponding
alignment notch 43 at its inner border. Also, slot 42 preferably is
shaped (again, circular in this case) and dimensioned so as to just
accommodate the top end of connecting piece 70 (which in this case
is identical to its bottom end) and alignment notch 43 is shaped
and dimensioned so as to just accommodate tab 72. Accordingly,
after upper receptacle 40 initially contacts connecting piece 70,
the two components are rotated relative to each other until tab 72
engages (slides into) alignment notch 43. Once again, it should be
noted that any other techniques may be used for facilitating the
rotational alignment between connecting piece 70 and upper
receptacle 40.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, in the preferred
embodiments, receptacles 40 and 44 are identical to each other.
Therefore, in such embodiments each of receptacles 40 and 44
includes a central hole 50, a lower slot 42 and a lower alignment
notch 43 in its bottom surface and an upper slot 46 and an upper
alignment notch 47 in its top surface. As a result of making
receptacles 40 and 44 identical, parts inventories can be reduced
and a single injection mold can be used to produce both, thereby
lowering costs. For ease of reference, the following discussion
sometimes only refers to receptacle 40. However, as noted above,
lower receptacle 44 preferably is structurally identical to upper
receptacle 40.
[0032] In the present embodiment, receptacle 40 includes ten
openings 52 that are identical to each other and are equally spaced
around the perimeter of receptacle 40 (i.e., at 36.degree.
intervals). Each such opening 52 preferably is configured as a
tapered cavity, with a larger opening at the top and narrowing
further down. More preferably, each such opening 52 is configured
essentially as an inverted cone with a longitudinal slot 54 along
the center of its outer face (through the outside diameter of
receptacle 40).
[0033] The alignment notches 43 and 47 (in receptacles 40 and 44)
preferably are positioned such that the openings 52 in the upper
receptacle 40 are rotationally offset from the openings 52 in the
lower receptacle 44. Referring to FIG. 6, more preferably, such
sets of openings 52 are offset as much as possible, i.e., with the
openings 52 in one centered on the partitions 53 between the
openings 52 in the other. In the foregoing example in which ten
openings 52 are provided in each of receptacles 40 and 44, the
offset is 18.degree.. That is, the alignment notch 47 in each of
receptacles 40 and 44 is 18.degree. offset from its alignment notch
43. In this regard, it is noted that, because in the present
embodiment elongated tab 72 is located at the same angular position
at each end of connecting piece 70, the fixed angular offset
between upper receptacle 40 and lower receptacle 44 is determined
solely by the relative angular offset between the alignment notches
43 and 47, respectively.
[0034] Returning to the assembly process, after upper receptacle 40
has been installed down over central supporting pole 20 and rotated
into position against the top end of connecting piece 70, upper
collar 25 slides onto central supporting pole 20 until it contacts
upper receptacle 40. At that point, its set screw 28 is tightened
to lock it into position.
[0035] At this point, lower receptacle 44 is fixedly attached to
connecting piece 70 which is fixedly attached to upper receptacle
40. That is, the engagement of elongated tab 72 with alignment
notches 43 and 47 means that rotation of any one of these three
components (around central supporting pole 20) will cause the other
two to rotate as well, and the secure attachment of collars 25 and
26 and the direct contact between adjacent components prevents any
significant upward or downward movement of lower receptacle 44,
connecting piece 70 or upper receptacle 40. Preferably, however,
the spacing between upper collar 25 and upper receptacle 40 is
sufficient to permit the entire assembly of lower receptacle 44,
connecting piece 70 and upper receptacle 40 to rotate freely,
albeit as a unit.
[0036] Finally, the plastic top cap 80 is inserted onto the top end
21 of central supporting pole 20. Preferably, cap 80 is held in
place by a compression fit or by using a set screw. In the
preferred embodiments, top cap 80 is provided with a slot 82 (or
any other mounting structure) for holding a sign 86, typically a
sign 86 that describes or promotes the items of merchandise 105
held by display apparatus 10.
[0037] In the foregoing embodiment, each of the openings 52 in the
receptacles 40 and 44 is used for holding a different merchandise
assembly 100, as described in more detail below. Thus, the display
apparatus 10 of the foregoing embodiment (having two receptacles 40
and 44 that are rotationally offset from each other, each having
ten openings 52) permits up to 20 items of merchandise 105 to be
displayed. Moreover, each of the receptacles 40 and 44 is free to
rotate about supporting pole 20, allowing a customer to have easy
access to all of the items of merchandise 105, even if the display
apparatus 10 is located in a corner of the store or close to a
wall. It is noted that the particular physical connection of
receptacles 40 and 44 to central supporting pole 20 in the
foregoing embodiment of the invention permits receptacles 40 and 44
to be rotated around central supporting pole 20 without the use of
ball bearings or other complicated structures.
[0038] In alternate embodiments of the invention, the receptacle
(e.g., receptacle 40 or a different receptacle having some other
shape that includes openings 52 or other kinds of openings) is
physically connected to the support structure (e.g., pole 20 or
some other structure, such as a wall or other flat surface) in any
other manner. For example, one or more receptacles may be bolted
to, otherwise fixedly attached to, or even integrally formed with
the provided support structure. Thus, for example, in one alternate
embodiment openings 52 (or other kinds of openings) are integrally
formed into a wall or other fixed or generally immovable surface.
In another alternate embodiment, a plurality of openings (or other
kinds of openings) are arranged on a central support at different
distances from the support, as well as different angular or
horizontal offsets, thereby providing diversity in depth as well as
angular or horizontal diversity, with a resulting potential ability
to support a greater number of items 105.
Attachment Devices
[0039] Referring to FIG. 6, the other main component of a
merchandise display system according to the preferred embodiments
of the present invention is an attachment device 120, which fastens
to an item of merchandise 105 and allows the item of merchandise
105 to be held by or suspended from the display apparatus 10. The
combination of an attachment device 120 and an item of merchandise
105 is referred to herein as a "merchandise assembly" 100.
[0040] In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the
attachment device 120 is configured as a transparent, semi-rigid
plastic clamshell structure, although in alternate embodiments it
can be, e.g., semi-transparent, translucent, substantially rigid
and/or entirely rigid. However, unlike conventional clamshell
structures, attachment device 120 in the preferred embodiments of
the invention has a unique shape. One example of such a
clamshell-type attachment device 120 is most clearly illustrated in
FIGS. 7 and 8. In this embodiment, attachment device 120 has three
different portions: a fastening portion 124, a pocket portion 129
and an insertion member 136.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the
fastening portion 124 is in the central section of the attachment
device 120 when attachment device 120 is in its open state (i.e.,
prior to use). The particular attachment device 120 illustrated in
the drawings is for use with a walking cane (i.e., the item of
merchandise 105 in this example). Accordingly, fastening portion
124 in this example is a flat (or substantially flat) section that
can be it or has been folded into a semi-cylindrical shape.
[0042] That flat section is tightly wrapped around the cane's main
shaft, and then the resulting front panel 131 and rear panel 132
are joined together along the resulting three edges (top edge 125,
bottom edge 126 and inner edge 127) in order to close attachment
device 120 around the subject item of merchandise 105. For this
purpose, one may use glue, staples or a welding technique.
Alternatively, the edges 125-127 may be provided with tabs and
corresponding notches that snap fit together. It is noted that the
folding of attachment device 120 around fastening portion 124 in
this embodiment of the invention also creates the outer edge 128 of
the attachment device 120. In order to prevent attachment device
120 from sliding or otherwise moving relative to the item 105, it
often will be preferable to use one or more small pieces of
transparent tape to adhere it to the item of merchandise 105.
Alternatively, it is possible to include a stop on the item 105
and/or to locate attachment device 120 near an existing bump,
spring-loaded pin or other existing feature that can function as a
stop.
[0043] The pocket portion 129 preferably has a square or other
rectangular shape. In certain embodiments, e.g., where just a
single sheet of paper or card is to be inserted, pocket portion 129
is simply a flat extension of the fastening portion 124.
Alternatively, in order to insert into pocket portion 129 a booklet
or other material with any significant thickness, pocket portion
129 preferably is created by forming the section(s) of the front
panel 131 and/or the rear panel 132 that are to comprise pocket
portion 129 with an offset 130, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and
8.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 8, insertion member 136 preferably has a
tapered shape which is wider on top and narrower toward the bottom.
More preferably, insertion member 136 is shaped primarily as an
inverted cone. However, if the cone is to be hollow, as is the case
with the clamshell structure of the current embodiment, then a
perfect cone generally would lack adequate strength. For this
purpose, a flattened notch 138 preferably is formed into the inner
edge 127 of insertion member 136.
[0045] In the present embodiment of the invention, the various
components have the following dimensions. Connecting piece 70 is
cylindrical and has a diameter of approximately 2 inches and a
length of approximately 123/4 inches. Accordingly, slots 42 and 46
in receptacle 40 are circular and also have a diameter of
approximately 2 inches. Central supporting pole 20 has a diameter
of approximately 1 inch and is approximately 301/2 inches long.
Receptacle 40 has a diameter of approximately 43/4 inches, and each
of the openings 52 has a diameter of approximately 1 inch at its
top end and a length of approximately 27/8 inches. Display
apparatus 10 preferably is approximately 5-7 feet tall and, when
fully loaded with merchandise assemblies 100, has a width of not
more than 20 inches, more preferably, not more than 18 inches, and
even more preferably not more than 16 inches, including the
merchandise assemblies 100.
[0046] A number of aspects of the attachment device 120 described
above can be varied in alternate embodiments of the invention. For
example, in certain cases the item of merchandise 105 (or portion
thereof) to which attachment device 120 is to be fastened is not
smooth and cylindrical, as is the walking cane in the previous
example. In such alternate cases, the fastening portion 124
preferably is shaped to match the portion of the item 105 to which
it is to be fastened. Moreover, by shaping fastening portion 124 to
the particular item 105, the attachment device 120 often will be
less likely to slide or otherwise move relative to the item of
merchandise 105, even without a separate stop on the item 105.
[0047] Configuring fastening portion 124 so that it is capable of
simply wrapping around the merchandise item 105 generally is
preferable for certain types of items 105, such as walking canes,
pool cues, golf clubs, baseball bats, certain umbrellas and the
like. However, for other types of items 105, such as certain small
telescoping umbrellas with small handles, wrapping a fastening
portion 124 around any portion of the item 105 might unduly
interfere with the ability of a customer to inspect or try out the
product 105. In such cases, using such a wraparound clamshell
configuration for attachment device 120 might not be appropriate or
ideal. Instead, a similar shape preferably is used for the
attachment device 120, but the outer edge 128 of attachment device
120 preferably is provided with a clip, hook, loop, Velcro, snap or
other fastening device that is appropriate for the portion of the
item 105 to which attachment device 120 is to be fastened.
[0048] In any event, attachment device 120 preferably is rigid, or
at least substantially rigid, enabling the merchandise item 105 to
be held at a preferred distance and orientation with respect to
display apparatus 10.
Merchandise Display System
[0049] With the display apparatus 10 assembled and appropriate
attachment devices 120 fastened to various items of merchandise
105, each such merchandise assembly 100 can be suspended from
display apparatus 10 by simply inserting the corresponding
insertion member 136 into one of the openings 52 in one of the
receptacles 40 and 44. As noted above, the insertion member 136
preferably is tapered from its top toward its bottom. In addition,
the size of the openings 52 preferably is approximately the same as
the size of the top of the insertion member 136. Because the
insertion member 136 preferably also is tapered, its bottom is
relatively small as compared to the opening 52, thereby
facilitating the placement of insertion member 136 into opening
52.
[0050] Still further, in the preferred embodiments of the invention
both the individual openings 52 and the insertion member 136 taper
smoothly (e.g., having a primarily cone-shaped configuration). As
result, once insertion member 136 is partly inside of an opening 52
it will typically slide easily the rest of the way into the opening
52.
[0051] Moreover, vertical slot 54 in opening 52 preferably
accommodates the relatively narrower portion of attachment device
120 just past insertion member 136 (e.g., the pocket portion 129 or
a thin strip between insertion member 136 and pocket portion 129).
Accordingly, slot 54 functions as a guide, keeping merchandise
assembly 100 at a desired angle (e.g., 90 degrees) relative to
display apparatus 10, while simultaneously permitting attachment
device 120 to extend out from opening 52 when insertion member 136
is fully inserted into opening 52.
[0052] Although slot 54 can be omitted in certain embodiments of
the invention, such an omission generally would require insertion
member 136 to connect to the remainder of attachment device 120
from its top surface which, in turn, generally would allow
merchandise assembly 100 to pivot within opening 52. As shown in
the drawings, slot 54 preferably has a funnel shape, which allows
insertion member 136 to be initially inserted into opening 52 at
nearly any angle and still cause pocket portion 129 (or some other
narrower portion just past insertion member 136) to be guided into
the narrower portion of slot 54.
[0053] Later, the item of merchandise 105 can at any time simply be
lifted up to again remove it from the receptacle 40 or 44. In
short, the combination of display apparatus 10 and attachment
device 120 generally allows for easy and convenient display,
removal and replacement of a variety of merchandise items 105,
particularly elongated items 105 or other items 105 having a
non-standard shape.
[0054] In the embodiment described above, two receptacles 40 and 44
are used and are rotationally offset from each other so that their
openings are as far apart as possible. As a result, additional
items 105 often can be held by display apparatus 10. However, in
alternate embodiments, only a single receptacle 40 or more than two
receptacles are used. Whenever multiple receptacles are used on a
vertical pole supporting structure, it is preferred that they be
rotationally offset from each other and fixedly attached to each
other so that all can be turned simultaneously. However, in
alternate embodiments each receptacle 40 is capable of turning
independently of the other(s).
[0055] Also, in the various embodiments of the invention, the
openings 52 (relative to the remainder of receptacle 40) and/or the
insertion members 136 (relative to the remainder of the attachment
device 120) can be oriented at a variety of different angles, which
may be identical across all openings 52 and across all insertion
members 136, or may be varied from opening 52 to opening 52 or from
insertion member 136 to insertion member 136, so as to create
correspondingly different visual effects for the displayed items of
merchandise 105. However, in the event that it is desired to vary
the angles at which the items of merchandise 105 are displayed, it
generally will be preferable to vary the angles of the openings 52
and keep constant the angles of the insertion members 136. For
similar purposes, it is possible to use multiple receptacles 40 and
44 having differently angled openings 52.
[0056] In the specific embodiment described above, the insertion
member 136 and matching opening 52 are tapered and in the general
shape of an inverted cone. In alternate embodiments, other shapes
are used. For example, in certain embodiments the insertion member
136 is shaped as a "J", a hook, or an inverted tripod, and/or has a
cross-section in the shape of a star, a plus sign or a "T". In any
event, the insertion member 136 and opening 52 preferably match in
shape so that the insertion member 136 fits securely within and/or
does not move appreciably within opening 52; as a result, the
attached articles of merchandise often can be held in a desired
position and orientation, e.g., to achieve the best visual effects
and/or to prevent the individual articles of merchandise from
contacting each other (thereby minimizing scratching, etc.). Also,
irrespective of the particular shape, the insertion member 136
preferably is tapered, e.g., so as to facilitate placement within
an opening 52.
[0057] Although the foregoing embodiments primarily use an example
in which walking canes are displayed, other items of merchandise
105 instead may be displayed using a display system according to
the present invention. Examples include fishing poles, gaffs,
snorkels, fins/flippers, ski poles, skis, golf clubs/putters, pool
cues, tennis/badminton rackets, hockey sticks, baseball bats,
swords, rifle scopes, drum sticks, tripods, umbrellas, garden
tools/trimmers, large restaurant kitchen utensils, brooms, mops, T
squares and carpenter levels.
[0058] In the embodiments described above, each item of merchandise
105 is provided with a single attachment device 120. However, in
alternate embodiments multiple attachment devices 120 are provided
on a single item of merchandise 105, e.g., with the corresponding
multiple insertion members 136 being inserted into corresponding
multiple openings 52; in one such embodiment, two attachment
devices 120 are provided along the length of a single item of
merchandise 105, with one of the corresponding insertion members
136 fitting into an opening 52 in the lower receptacle 44 and the
other insertion member 136 fitting into an opening 52 in the upper
receptacle 40. In such embodiments, the fastening portions 124 can
be different on the different attachment devices 120; for example,
one fastening portion 124 might be used to inhibit horizontal
movement of the item 105, while another might be used to inhibit
vertical movement; similarly, one of the attachment devices 120
might use a guide (e.g., a "U"-shaped groove), i.e., one that is
not tightly secured to the item 105, instead of a fastening portion
124, while the other of the attachment devices 120 includes a
fastening portion 124 of the type described above (which provides a
secure attachment to the item 105). Items 105 that could benefit
from the use of multiple attachment devices 120 include, e.g.,
boogie boards, skateboards and snowboards.
Additional Considerations.
[0059] As used herein, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are
used in a relative rather than absolute sense unless clearly and
expressly stated to the contrary. Thus, an item described as being
oriented vertically generally is one that is primarily vertical,
i.e., within 45.degree. of a perfect vertical orientation, and one
that is described as being oriented horizontally generally is one
that is primarily horizontal, i.e., within 45.degree. of a perfect
horizontal orientation.
[0060] Several different embodiments of the present invention are
described above, with each such embodiment described as including
certain features. However, it is intended that the features
described in connection with the discussion of any single
embodiment are not limited to that embodiment but may be included
and/or arranged in various combinations in any of the other
embodiments as well, as will be understood by those skilled in the
art.
[0061] Similarly, in the discussion above, functionality sometimes
is ascribed to a particular module or component. However,
functionality generally may be redistributed as desired among any
different modules or components, in some cases completely obviating
the need for a particular component or module and/or requiring the
addition of new components or modules. The precise distribution of
functionality preferably is made according to known engineering
tradeoffs, with reference to the specific embodiment of the
invention, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
[0062] Thus, although the present invention has been described in
detail with regard to the exemplary embodiments thereof and
accompanying drawings, it should be apparent to those skilled in
the art that various adaptations and modifications of the present
invention may be accomplished without departing from the spirit and
the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not
limited to the precise embodiments shown in the drawings and
described above. Rather, it is intended that all such variations
not departing from the spirit of the invention be considered as
within the scope thereof as limited solely by the claims appended
hereto.
[0063] The terms "may" and "generally" when used herein in
conjunction with "is(are)" and verbs are meant to communicate the
intention that the description is exemplary and believed to be
broad enough to encompass both the specific examples presented in
the disclosure as well as alternative examples that could be
derived based on the disclosure. The terms "may" and "generally" as
used herein should not be construed to necessarily imply the
desirability or possibility of omitting a corresponding
element.
[0064] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and details may be made without departing from the scope of the
invention.
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